Overview

The left auricular appendix (left auricula, left auricle, left atrial appendage) is a conical muscular pouch connected to the left atrium of the heart. It is somewhat constricted at its junction with the principal cavity; it is longer, narrower, and more curved than the right auricular appendix, and its margins are more deeply indented.

It is directed forward and toward the right and overlaps the root of the pulmonary artery.

In older texts, the term "left auricle" was often used to describe the structure now known as the left atrium.

In atrial fibrillation, thrombi are thought to arise from the left auricle, which may lead to ischaemic damage to the brain, kidneys, or other organs supplied by the systemic circulation.

Functions as a reservoir for the left ventricle.

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.